Agencies
Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Rajiv Jasrotia on Friday called for collective efforts to combat pollution and climate change for environment preservation.
The Minister was speaking at a function, as a chief guest, organised by ‘We The Human’ an NGO to commemorate International Environment Week at Forest information Centre here.
MLC Choudhary Vikram Randhawa, President Rotary Club Jammu Vipan Bhasin and Sumeer Bharti Chief Conservator of Forests were also present on the occasion.
The Minister said that pollution levels have reached to alarming levels and it is high time that efforts are put in to combat pollution.
“Our nation is endowed with rich natural resources besides a favourable climate and the only thing needed is to strike cord between development and preservation of our environment,” he added.
While appreciating the need for furthering cooperation between NGOs and government, he said collectively, “we have to bring a change.”
MLC Vikram Randhawa, while addressing audiences, said that Swachh Bharat Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a revolutionary step in the protection and cleaning of the environment.
Later, a newsletter was also released by the dignitaries on the occasion followed by lectures from Environmentalists describing ways and means to save environment. On the occasion, two farmers Karan Singh and Ashwani Sharma and one Guldev Raj, bird watcher, were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Noted environmentalists Roop Lal, P.K Ganju, Prem Singh, Y.S Manhas Principal Secretary (Retired) and Lalit Sharma Additional PCCF (Retired) also spoke on the occasion.
They lamented about excessive use of plastic and exhorted upon the people to minimise use of plastic polythene in their day today life which has not only caused damage to the environment but also endangered animals’ life.